Accessibility

At a glance

The basics of accessibility around Martin Mere Wetland Centre. Scroll down for the detailed accessibility statement, visual story and sounds you may hear on site.

Parking

There are two large blue badge holder car parks catering for 25 vehicles outside the entrance. Car parking is free.

Wheelchairs and mobility scooters

Free wheelchairs are available at the centre. There is a mobility scooter available to hire. This must be booked in advance by calling 01704 891220.

Carers

Carers can visit Martin Mere for free.

Dogs

We welcome trained assisted dogs on site.

Toilets

There are 4 accessible toilets on site. There is a toilet in the main corridor of the building that also has a static bench. This toilet does not have a hand dryer.

Café

In Mere Side Café there are baby chairs available as well as a microwave to heat up baby food. Free water is provided. We cater for sugar free (diabetic), vegetarian and gluten free (celiacs) specific diets, although it is worth contacting the café in advance to inform us of any specific dietary requirements.

Paths

The paths around the waterfowl gardens are all paved and accessible with benches at regular intervals as resting points.

Boat tours

Guided boat tours are available from the canoe safari location. The boat can accommodate two wheelchairs and it is recommended to book when you arrive.

Trails and hides

The nature trail is fully paved. It is not a circular loop. Most of our hides have lower windows to allow for wheelchair users to view the wildlife and bird books to help with identification.

Morning explorers: relaxed times to visit

At Martin Mere, during mid-week term time, the centre is quiet enough to welcome anyone who may struggle with crowds or have a sensory overload – this includes people with autism and dementia.

At the weekends we recommend visiting between 9.30am and 11.30am when the centre is more relaxed. There will be no queues at the entrance and the building and café will not be noisy.

Activities during morning explorers:

• Call in advance for your own guided boat tour, reserved specifically for children or adults with additional needs. The guided boat tours are 20 minutes in duration and the boat floats along at 3mph giving you the opportunity to get up close to nature. The boat tours are an additional £3 per seat. The boat tours run at 10.30am and 11am and can accommodate two wheelchairs.
• At the weekends during the spring and summer term, pond dipping starts at 11am and it is recommended to go to pond dipping in the first 15 minutes whilst it is more relaxed. There are four ponds available – please speak to the member of staff on the pond zone to request a private pond to have a go at pond dipping. We can’t always guarantee it but we will do our best.

Please note that during school holidays and bank holidays the centre is a lot busier than normal and these relaxed times are only recommended during school term time.

Any more questions?

If you have any specific questions about our accessibility then please feel free to call us on 01704 891220 and we can discuss it with you and help you plan your day.